CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Charleston RiverDogs, the Class A affiliate of the New York Yankees, have long been associated with success. Whether it is the idyllic setting of Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park along the Ashley River, their standing as the premiere family entertainment brand in the Lowcountry or, in recent years, their affiliation with the world's most successful and famous sports franchise, the RiverDogs have remained a key staple of the Charleston landscape.

With this in mind, the RiverDogs and the 27-time World Champion New York Yankees have announced the extension of their affiliation through the 2016 season. Lowcountry fans will continue to be among the first to witness the play of future Yankee stars, while simultaneously experiencing the dynamic atmosphere of a Goldklang Group club.

"During the past seven years, RiverDogs' fans have been privileged to see some of the most promising Yankee stars of the future suit up and play at Riley Park, as the Yankees have made Charleston a key component of their player development system," said RiverDogs chairman, Marv Goldklang. "I am very pleased that we will be able to continue that tradition for years to come."

"The Yankees are extremely pleased to extend our relationship with the River Dogs and the city of Charleston," said Mark Newman, the Yankees senior vice president for Baseball Operations. "In Charleston, we are fortunate to have a great environment in which to develop the Yankees of the future. Our working relationship with the River Dogs' ownership and operational staff is exceptional, and we look forward to continuing that relationship well into the future."

"We were thrilled to become Yankees affiliates seven years ago when we began this relationship and we continue to be thrilled to partner with a prestigious and first-class organization like the Yankees," said RiverDogs general manager, Dave Echols. "However, while it is a great working relationship between the Yankees and RiverDogs, it is our fans who win in the long run. This is clearly a 'win-win-win situation' for everyone."

The current Player Development Contract was set to expire after the conclusion of the 2012 season. The extension covers the 2013 through 2016 seasons.